- Format: NTSC
- Studio: M.C.E.G./Virgin Visi
- VHS Release Date: Feb 1 1989
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
- ASIN: 6300266893
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon.com
The alumni of Hollywood Shuffle are spread across dozens of current comedies and TV sitcoms--this is the movie that introduced Robert Townsend and the Wayans Brothers to the world. Townsend plays a young actor who struggles with being offered stereotyped street hustler roles while trying to maintain his self-respect and the approval of his family. Between scenes of comically humiliating auditions, Bobby has satirical fantasies about the plight of black actors, including the classic "Black Acting School" sketch, in which white teachers demonstrate jive talk and street moves for the befuddled black students. Townsend has a charming, low-key comic style, one considerably more subtle than that of some of the black comics who have risen to success with supposedly self-aware renditions of the stereotypes Townsend mocks. Townsend made this movie on his credit cards and it is clearly a heartfelt labor of love. --Bret Fetzer
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Satire and the Establishment,
By
This review is from: Hollywood Shuffle (Widescreen) (DVD)
Most of the reviews have touched most facets of the movie and even mentioned allusions. But I enjoyed the film and will say a few things as well. I think this movie could be used to describe the current situation in Hip-Hop. The "sell-outs", stereotypical roles, and perpetuation of amorality is rampant in most Hip-Hop acts. Townsend is talking about the lack of equality and degeneration of black probity in this film, which is currently at an all-time high in modern music. This movie not only commentates about prejudice in Hollywood, but the ignorance of the people who consume the stereotypical garbage. This movie is hilarious and disheartening. The absurdity strikes home when you realize that these formulated characters and shows appear on your television today. This film did remind me of Bamboozled as well, but Hollywood Shuffle is nowhere near as caustic toward [stereo]type-casting. There is intelligence in the black community and this film blasts the one-dimensional depiction of black people.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robert Townsend's best film. A must see for all.,
By
This review is from: Hollywood Shuffle (Widescreen) (DVD)
Robert Townsend's first film Hollywood Shuffle is a hilarious satire that cleverly condemns the way Blacks are treated in the entertainment industry. It's clear that Townsend knows his material and uses that insider knowledge to poke fun at the sterotypical way blacks are portrayed on TV and in film. Through satire Townsend makes fun of Hollywood while telling everyone the truth about how hard it is for black actors.Desperate to get the lead role in "Jivetime Jimmy's revenge" struggling actor Bobby aspires to become a superstar while working at a dead end job at Winky Dinky Dog. During Bobby's journey, we learn that and the road to stardom for African-Americans is full of compromises that force intelligent hardworking black actors to degrade and humiliate themselves in order to get a break. As he gets the lead role in Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge, Bobby must wonder if his dignity and self-respect are worth sacrificing to achieve his dream. Robert Townsend makes a groundbreaking film and his cast of then unknowns gives great performances. After this film was produced most of the cast of this film went on to successful careers John Witherspoon, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Rusty Cundieff are just a few of the people who became stars as a result of this film I think every African-American who wants to work in the entertainment industry or any African American who already is and actor needs to watch this film. I also think a certain Black actress who just compromised herself to win an Oscar really needs to watch this film. It will make you think about the way they portray people of color in media.
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Winky...dinky...daaaaawwwwg!!!",
By
This review is from: Hollywood Shuffle (Widescreen) (DVD)
This movie is absolutely hilarious. Mixed with biting satire and an all-star cast of then-unknowns this was easily one of the funniest films of the 1980s. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is the dated feel and the obvious low-budget look. However, at times there is a charming independent look to the movie that helps to ignore the cheesiness. There are plenty of memorable scenes, quotable dialogue, and gallons of Jerry-Curl!!! This is a noteworthy comedy and should be seen by anyone with a passion for social satire. Great fun.
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